For the first time in the history of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, the state government has sanctioned projects worth Rs 72 crore for the comprehensive development of tourism in the district. “With the timely implementation of these schemes, the dream of comprehensive tourism development in the district will become a reality,” said Tourism minister Kadakampalli Surendran announcing the projects.
Rs 9.98 crore was allotted for the renovation of the Chala market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Kerala. The plan is to renovate the phase of the Chala market and turn it into a heritage project with in two years’ time through the Department of Tourism. The construction work of the project will be carried out by Padmasree G Shankar’s Habitat Technology.
The state tourism department has approved projects worth Rs 20 crore for tourism development in Veli. The State Level Working Group approved has approved Rs 9.98 crore project to construct an advanced convention center at Veli, which has to be completed in an year. An amount of Rs 4.78 crore is earmarked for the development of Eco Park and coastal roads at Veli Tourist Village. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months. Projects worth Rs 4.99 crore have been sanctioned for development of Urban Park in Veli. The proposal is expected to be completed within a year.
Rs 6 crore is earmarked for the digital museum at Kanakakunnu Palace and Rs 3 crore is allocated for the protection of the heritage property. Rs 5 crore has been allotted for setting up of the digital museum and Rs 1 crore is for the operation and maintenance of the project.
Kovalam Samudra beach parking area and the Grove beach have got Rs 9.90 crore. The project will feature yacht park, toilets, 88 seat boats, seat belts, cafe facilities, rocky pedestals, bicycle paths, garden, roller skater with cotton sticks, police aid posters, life guard kiosks, and a CCTV system. The construction of the same needs to be completed within a year.
An amount of Rs 9.34 crore was sanctioned for the renovation work of Akkulam Tourist Village. The project includes a new gateway, development of the surrounding area, new musical fountain, toilet renovation, artificial waterfall, renovation of children’s park, 12D theaters and amphi theatre on the hill top. The projects at the Akkulam Tourism Village has been instructed to be completed within 18 months.
An amount of Rs 8.99 crore has been allotted for the development of beach tourism in Varkala. The Working Group has asked the project at Varkala beach to be completed within 18 months through the Department of Tourism.
An amount of Rs 4.62 crore approved for development of the entrance at the Shanghumukham Beach Entrance Area and the development of Urban Plaza at Shanghumukham. The Working Group has asked to implement this project through State Tourism Department within a year.
